Australian and Canadian fisheries face the challenges of evolving domestic and international policies that call for the move to full implementation of ‘ecosystem’ and ‘integrated’ management approaches, to allow sustainable management of multiple coastal activities during a time of increasing market (and general public) pressure for sustainability. The evolving landscape of management demands increased participation of fisheries with other activities in integrated management processes and shared stewardship responsibility. A workshop in March 2014 summarised progress in implementing an ecosystem approach to fisheries, with emphasis on social and economic aspects, and how these can contribute to the generation of a ‘license to manage’ for fisheries management agencies (FRDC Report F2013/436, in prep). One recommendation of the workshop was for further exploration of integrated management approaches that encompasses the broader dimensions and users of the marine ecosystem.

This proposal will build on the 2014 workshop in a study of Australian and Canadian experience in applied integrated ocean management. We propose to focus on case studies including the NSW Marine Estate Management; Canadian Bay of Fundy Marine Advisory Committee (and related initiatives); Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; Spencer Gulf and Ecosystem Development Initiative; and Great Australian Bight. We will establish a network to compile, compare, and assess methodologies, policies/frameworks and progress.